Drugged Driving in Sonoma County
In California, just as it is illegal to drive while under the influence (DUI) of alcohol, it is also illegal to drive while under the influence of drugs (DUID), as defined under California Vehicle Code § 23152. The law, also known as drugged driving, prohibits the use of controlled substances (such as heroin), prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, as well as any substance which impairs a person’s ability to safely operate a motor vehicle. If you have been charged with DUID, your freedom and driving privileges could be on the line.
At the Law Offices of Evan E. Zelig, P.C., our Sonoma County DUID attorney can help you to overcome the charges you face so that you can get back to your life.
What can our Santa Rosa DUID attorney bring to your case?
- More than a decade of legal experience in your corner
- Substantial Knowledge of DUI cases and strategies
- Selected for the 2015 list of Super Lawyers® Rising Stars℠
- Perfect 10.0/10 “Superb” Rating by Avvo
Penalties for Drugged Driving
Make no mistake, if you have been arrested or charged with DUID, you could face punishments including substantial fines, time in jail, and the suspension of your license. In fact, the same California statutes dictate the punishments for DUI offenses for both alcohol and drugs. This means that a conviction for any substance will count on your record as a DUI. Furthermore, you may be required to take DUI education courses and when your insurance gets wind of a conviction, your premiums are likely to increase. The high monthly costs of insurance alone may prohibit a person from being able to drive.
How Does Law Enforcement Test for DUID?
Unlike with alcohol, when drugs are suspected to be involved, there is no test police can administer to determine a driver’s level of mental or physical impairment. Instead, it is left up to the discretion of the police to determine if an arrest is warranted. This means that if (1) the police believe based solely on observations that you cannot safely drive and (2) a blood test later reveals that you had drugs in your system, you may be charged with DUID. The fact that an arrest can take place with a lack of scientific, quantifiable evidence emphasizes the importance of taking immediate legal action.
Aggressive Santa Rosa DUID Defense Attorney
Have you been charged with drugged driving or another DUI-related offense? You have the right to a legal advocate and you do not have to deal with the police without the guidance of our Santa Rosa DUID attorney. At the Law Offices of Evan E. Zelig, P.C., we understand how to find the holes in the prosecution’s case against you in order to maximize the strength of your defense. Did the arresting officer have probable cause for a search? Was a mistake made in the administration of a sobriety test? Every case will be different and we can help you to find the most appropriate legal strategies for your situation.
Our Santa Rosa DUID lawyer is available 24/7 by phone to talk to you. Contact us online or call (707) 636-3204 to get started today.